A recent Gallup survey, highlighted on Forbes.com, found that the world’s happiest countries tend to have something in common… money! Here’s a few excerpts from a Yahoo summary article about these happy countries:
The Gallup researchers found evidence of what many have long suspected: money does buy happiness — at least a certain kind of it. In a related report, they studied the reasons why countries with high gross domestic products won out for well-being, and found an association between life satisfaction and income.
“Money is an object that many or most people desire, and pursue during the majority of their waking hours,” researchers wrote in the report. “It would be surprising if success at this pursuit had no influence whatsoever when people were asked to evaluate their lives.”
Social and psychological prosperity, fostered by tighter social networks, also contribute greatly to happiness. That is why some countries with cultures that exhibit these traits, such as Costa Rica, ranked highly in the survey.
Where does your destination country rank? Do the findings resonate with your own experiences?
I’ve lived in Playa Grande Costa Rica for the past 6 years and I can see why many Ticos are happy. Most of them don’t care about time and there are no consequences for many of the things Ticos do as compared to other societies.
Arriving late for work for example. No big deal in CR, but try being late for work in the USA. Or standing in a line up. Ticos just wait without a complaint. The rest of us on the other hand are screaming or complaining after waiting an hour or two.
Ticos aren’t complainers, maybe that’s why they appear to be happier. It’s an interesting topic that’s for sure.
great!i like it.i live in england where are full of happiness and …